Hub for storage package

ABSTRACT

A hub for a storage package for storing a recording medium includes a base member, an uninterrupted deformable, generally domed portion, and at least one gripping formation extending from the generally domed portion. The gripping formation is positioned to extend through a hole in the recording medium and engage the inner edge of the recording medium as the medium is placed onto the hub. The generally domed portion and the gripping formation are directly joined at a location disposed above the recording medium when the recording medium is placed onto the hub. Deformation of the generally domed portion in a direction transverse to the base member directly causes the gripping formation to retract radially inward to allow removal of the recording medium.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/885,770,filed on Jun. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,607, issued Apr. 6,2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable storagepackage for a recording medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD),compact disc (CD), or the like, which is designed to discourageshoplifting, and to a method of assembling such apparatus. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to such a storage packagethat is formed from a plastic frame and non-plastic panels.

The term “recording medium” as used in the context of this specificationbroadly encompasses any medium on which information may be digitallyrecorded. This includes the standard 120 mm diameter disc used to carry,for example, recorded text, image, audio, video, and binary data, aswell as similar discs of various sizes for other information and data.Typically, such recording mediums are stored in packaging prior topurchase and/or when not in use. Such packaging commonly takes the formof a multi-piece injection molded package that requires assembly. Ahinged lid, a base and a separate liner are usually included. Aside fromthe cost of production and assembly, such recording medium packages aredifficult to open by the consumer. It is not uncommon for the consumerto exert an amount of force in opening the package that results in therecording medium coming loose from the packaging, or becoming scratched.

The recording medium has generally been packaged in the well-known“jewel case” which is popular with CD's and formed almost entirely ofrigid plastic elements hingedly connected along one side of the frame.The jewel case has become standard in the industry due to its durabilityand the high level of protection it gives the recording medium. However,the jewel case has proven to be a relatively expensive andenvironmentally unacceptable package because of its use ofnon-biodegradable plastic in large quantities.

Currently, there are two designs that are primarily used for packagingrecording mediums, particularly DVD's. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,788,068 and5,366,074 disclose the two most common storage packages for this type ofrecording medium.

The '068 patent discloses a package similar to the jewel case butincorporating different features such as the hinge and the latchingmechanism, as well as incorporating additional features such as clipsfor graphics inserts. However, in addition to sharing the jewel case'sdisadvantages, the '068 patent's frame is opaque, rendering less surfacearea for graphics and it is laborious to assemble.

The package disclosed in the '074 patent is formed of a plasticrecording medium holder and a plurality of interconnected paperboardpanels that pivot about a spine between an open and a closedorientation. This latter package is more versatile in presenting amultitude of visually appealing graphic panels and, with exception tothe recording medium holder, is made exclusively of biodegradablepaperboard. However, the paperboard package has not proven completelysatisfactory in use because it does not provide the stability or thedurability of the jewel case. Additionally, the paperboard package issusceptible to fraying and destruction from common use that could resultin deterioration of the identifying information on the package.

A further problem with the paperboard package and also to some extent,the '068 package, is the relative ease with which a shoplifter canaccess the recording medium by slitting the protective shrink wrap andremoving the recording medium from the packaging while leaving thepackage intact. Additionally, a further problem associated withrecording medium packaging is the need to apply an additional stickerwith imprinted identifying indicia on the lateral spine of the packagesuch that the recording medium is easily identified when displayed instacks at the point of sale. The prior art packages lack the versatilityand the ability to display additional promotional products or images onthe exterior package.

Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive recording medium package ofsufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame that iseasily assembled, incorporates a feature that deters shoplifting, andminimizes the amount of waste that must be disposed after purchase.Also, there is a need for a package which is capable of accommodatingpromotional graphics, coupons, or discs.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide animproved recording medium package which is relatively economical tomanufacture and assemble.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedrecording medium package which is ecologically sound, being composedsubstantially of recycled or recyclable paperboard.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedrecording medium package which provides protection to paperboardgraphics laden panels and prevents fraying and destruction of thepaperboard.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedpackage which includes structure configured for deterring shoplifting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-identified objects are met or exceeded by the presentrecording medium package having a blank that cooperates with a first anda second frame component to form an enclosable space for a recordingmedium, and a hub structure for releasably receiving a recording medium.A central spine panel hingedly joins the first and the second framecomponents and allows pivoting of the frame components about a foldingaxis. The first and the second frame components each include at leastone raceway that slidably receives a blank having a plurality of panelsdefined by scores. Scoring on the blank allows it to be folded intoseparate panels, each of which are guided and supported by the framecomponent raceways to enclose the recording medium. Each of the racewaysis preferably dimensioned to receive multiple blanks or other generallyplanar materials such as promotional items, and at least one raceway isconfigured to receive the blank in a direction either normal to orparallel to the folding axis.

Another feature of the present recording medium packaging is aresilient, disc-engaging hub having a generally domed or conical shapethat releasably secures the recording medium. When secured on the hub,the recording medium may rest on or between a gripping formation suchas, for example, a series of protrusions or a shelf-like shoulder aroundthe periphery. The hub is integrally formed on a base member which isused to secure the hub to the frame hub-holder.

The present recording medium packaging is also provided with apoint-of-sale locking device constructed and arranged to secure theframe components in a closed orientation by mating a pin and aperturestructure. Upon purchase, either at the point of sale or at theconsumer's home, the mating pin is cut with a knife or a scissorsthereby allowing access to the recording medium.

An additional advantage of the present recording medium packaging is afoldable upper panel on the blank for the lateral spine. The upper panelis aligned with a bezel in the frame component that forms the lateralspine, eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providingidentifying indicia.

More specifically, the present invention provides a storage package fora recording medium having a first frame component having at least oneside and a first engagement end and a second frame component having atleast one side and a second engagement end, each of the first and secondframe components configured to hingedly engage each other and at leastone of the first and second frame components having at least one sidethat receives a blank. The blank includes a plurality of generallyplanar panels defined by scores which can be slidably inserted into atleast one of the receiving portions of the frame components. When theblank is inserted into the first and the second frame components in anengaged position, an enclosable space for placement of a recordingmedium is formed.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a recording mediumpackage is provided, including the steps of: (1) providing a first framecomponent and a second frame component each having an engagement endconstructed to engage the other frame component in a fixed engagement,(2) providing a receiving portion which receives blanks of differentthicknesses, (3) providing the blank having a plurality of generallyplanar panels defined by scores, and (4) engaging the blank in the framecomponents such that the blank and the frame components cooperate todefine an enclosable space for the recording medium.

In an alternate embodiment, a method of assembling a recording mediumpackage includes: (1) engaging the blank in the first and the secondframe components, (2) slidably moving the first and second framecomponents into engagement, and (3) fastening the first and second framecomponents to each other. Insertion of the blank into the first and thesecond components can occur from one of a direction parallel to andnormal to the foldable axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present package;

FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken along the line 2A—2A of FIG. 1 and inthe direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for purposes ofclarity;

FIG. 2B is sectional view taken along the line 2B—2B of FIG. 1 and inthe direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for purposes ofclarity;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lock stud in a recess;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line 4—4 ofFIG. 1 and in the direction indicated generally, the pivoting of thehinge shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the hub with a recording mediumplaced thereon, the hub base placed on the frame hub holder; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of an alternate embodiment with twoseparate frames, one frame having the hinge and an X-type hub holder,and the blank located in between.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B a package which embodies features ofthe present invention is generally designated 10. The package 10 isintended for use in protecting a recording medium 12 such as a CD, a DVDor other type of disk-like recording medium (best seen in FIG. 5). Inthe preferred embodiment, the package 10 includes a first framecomponent 14 having a first engagement end 16, at least one side or sidemember and a blank receiving portion 18 along at least one of the sides.A second frame component 20 having a second engagement end 22 isconstructed for engagement with said first engagement end 16 and has atleast one side having a blank receiving portion 18. The first framecomponent 14 and the second frame component 20 include side memberslabeled 14 a–d and 20 a–d respectively. As viewed in FIG. 1 andapplicable to both the first frame member 14 and the second frame member20, “a” corresponds to the upper member, “b” corresponds to the rightmember, “c” corresponds to the lower member, and “d” corresponds to theleft member. Collectively, the first frame component 14 and the secondframe component 20 are referred to as a frame 24. In the preferredembodiment, the frame 24 is made of an injection moldable plasticmaterial. Preferred materials include polystyrene, polypropylene or likematerials well known to skilled practitioners. However, thermoformableplastics are also contemplated, as are other inexpensive,self-supporting materials.

A blank 26 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is preferably formed from anon-plastic material such as virgin or recyclable paperboard, oftencoated with a plastic material, but may consist of any suitable materialwhich may receive printed graphics and provide structural integrity tothe package. Acceptable panel materials include various types of rigidpaperboard, including corrugated and end flute board, as well as planarpaperboard. The blank 26 may also include, for example, an insert orpromotional item such as a memory disc. The blank 26 is configured forinsertion into at least one of the receiving portions 18 of the firstframe component 14 and the second frame component 20, also correspondingto elongate frame member 20 b, and has a plurality of generally planarpanels 28, 29 and 30 defined by scores 32.

While a two major-paneled embodiment according to the present inventionis illustrated, similar blanks utilizing a greater or lesser number ofpanels are contemplated. The plurality of panels 28, 29 and 30 may beformed from a prescored unitary blank 26 that may be preprinted on bothmajor upper and lower surfaces 34, 36 respectively. Because both majorsurfaces 34, 36 of the blank 26 are nearly unobstructed when placed inthe frame 24 and printing is possible on both major surfaces, arelatively large surface area is available for providing printedinformation.

The blank 26 cooperates with the first and second frame components 14,20 by slidably engaging the blank receiving portion 18 of the frame 24along a raceway 38 to define an enclosable space for the recordingmedium 12. At least one elongate member 14 a–d, 20 a–d of the frame 24defines the open raceway 38. The raceway 38 preferably includes a legportion 40 and a normally projecting lip portion 42 forming an“L”-shape. The length of the leg portion 40 is sufficient to accommodatea plurality of blank thicknesses. While an “L”-shaped embodiment of apackage according to the present embodiment is shown, similar packagesutilizing a “C”-shaped raceway or any other shaped raceway suitable forreceiving the blank 26 are contemplated.

In the preferred embodiment, the raceway 38 is configured for receptionof the blank 26 in one of a direction parallel to and normal to afolding axis 44 (best seen in FIG. 1). It is also preferred that theframe 24 has two opposing raceways 38 that form a channel 46 forslidingly accommodating the panels 28, 30. The raceway 38 is dimensionedto accommodate a plurality of blank thicknesses 26 or other promotionalitems such as graphics, coupons, or discs. When the blank 26 ispositioned in the raceway 38, it is adhered to the frame component 14,20 by chemical adhesive, heat-staking, sonic welding, or by any othermethod known in the art. Also, ends of the raceway 38 are closed byapplication of heat, which closes off or crimps the end of the racewayto prevent the blank 26 from slipping out. It is also contemplated tosecure the blank 26 in the raceway 38 by mechanical fasteningtechnology, such as a tight friction fit, projections in the raceway,and other known fastening devices. In addition, chemical adhesives andthe application of heat along the length of frame members 14 a–d, 20 a–dmay be used to fasten the blank to the frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, the secondframe component 20 has a hub holder 48 that connects a generallyannular, flange-like base member 50 of a hub 52 to at least one of theframe elongate members 20 a–d. In the preferred embodiment, the hubholder 48 has a pair of diametrically opposed arms 54 which are securedto corresponding elongate frame members 20 a–d. While it is contemplatedthat the arms 54 will be integrally formed with the frame member 20, itis also within the scope of this invention to secure the arms to theframe member by chemical adhesive, sonic welding, or other known plasticattachment technologies. It is also contemplated that the number and therelative position of the arms 54 may vary to suit the application.

As shown in HG. 5, the resilient, disc-engaging hub 52 is connected atthe hub base member 50 to at least one of the frame components 14, 20for releasably securing the recording medium 12. An advantage of thepresent package 10 is that hub 52 is made of a different material thanthe frame 24. In the preferred embodiment, the hub 52 is made of arelatively flexible, resilient material, such as a member of theolefins, including polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE),low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and resins such as SAN and silicone.The hub 52 is constructed and arranged so that it secures the medium 12in a first position (shown in solid in FIG. 5). The medium 12 isreleased by the user exerting a pressing force F on a generally centralportion of the hub 52, which disengages the medium 12 from the hub.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the hub 52 has a generally domed or conicallyshaped pressing portion 56 and a gripping formation 58 for engaging andsecuring the recording medium 12 at a point on the medium where noinformation is stored 60, and maintains the information portion 62 ofthe recording medium out of contact with the hub holder 48 and the frame24. The gripping formation 58 may include a series of individual, spacedprotrusions, or a continuous annular formation, or any other similarformation that urges or biases the medium 12 against a raised annularshoulder 64 of the hub 52. By applying the force F to the domed portion56, the gripping portion 58 retracts or pivots vertically out ofengagement with the medium 12 (shown in phantom). Connecting the hub 52to the hub holder 48, is the base member 50 which is adhered,heat-staked, or secured by any other adhesive technology known in theart, to the hub holder 48.

It is contemplated that the base member 50 is securable to either anupper surface 66 of the hub holder 48 or, alternatively, to a lower orback surface 68 of the hub holder. In the event that the latterconstruction is used, the hub pressing portion 56, the grippingformation 58, and the annular shoulder 64 will all project through anopening 70 in a central portion 71 of the hub holder 48. It is alsocontemplated that the hub holder 48 is mounted on either frame component14, 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, a hinge 72 is attached to at least oneof the frame components 14, 20 and is configured to hingedly attach thefirst and second opposing engagement ends 16, 22 of each correspondingframe components. The first and second panels 28, 30 of the blank 26 areeach hingedly joined to the central spine panel 29 and are pivotableabout a folding axis 44 between an open orientation and a closedorientation. The hinge 72 is in registry with the central spine panel 29and is configured to accommodate any shifting of the blank 26 in adirection normal to the folding axis 44 upon placing the package 10 in aclosed orientation.

In the preferred embodiment, the hinge 72 is integrally formed with oneor two frame components 14, 20 and the hinge action is obtained bymaking the hinge edges 76, 78 in a scored or otherwise thinnedconstruction. Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 4, the hinge edges76, 78 are provided in a generally arcuate or semi-circular shape tobetter accommodate the above-described normal movement (shown inphantom). It should be understood that the hinge 72 is not limited to beintegrally joined to at least one of the frame components 14, 20, butincludes any hinged connection known to one in the art, including butnot limited to separate hinge panels 172 joined to the frame components14, 20 after assembling of the package (best seen in FIG. 6).

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, for purposes of identifying therecording medium 12 by a lateral spine 82 of the packaging, a foldableupper panel 84 integral to the blank 26 is provided. The upper panel 84is aligned with at least one frame component 14, 20 that is configuredfor receiving a protective bezel 86 defining a central opening 88through which the foldable upper panel 84 is visible. The bezel 86 issecured along one edge of the corresponding frame member 20 a, allowingthe foldable upper panel 84 to be visible along the lateral spine 82thereby eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providingidentifying indicia. It is also contemplated to have a separate bezel 86secured to the frame 24 after assembly. In the preferred embodiment, thebezel 86 forms part of the raceway 38. Also, the bezel 86 includes asnap member 87 for engaging a corresponding opening 89 in the frame 24(best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B).

Referring now to FIG. 1, within at least one of the frame components 14,20, clips 90 are provided for holding a printed booklet or any othergenerally planar material included with the memory disc 12 in thepackage. The clips 90 are molded such that they do not interfere withthe pivoting of the frame components 14, 20 between an open orientationand a closed orientation.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, a locking device 92 is constructed andarranged for lockingly securing the first and second frame components14, 20 in a closed orientation at the point of sale. The locking deviceincludes a pin 94 and a mating aperture 96 on one of each of the framecomponents 14, 20, the pin configured to protrude through the apertureand then be sealed over the emergent side of the aperture. Sealing ofthe pin 94 over the aperture 96 can be accomplished, for example, byspreading or flattening the pin to form a riveted connection. A firstrecess 98 on the first frame component 14 and a second recess 99 on thesecond frame component 20 preferably house the locking device 92allowing flush contact of the frame components 14, 20 when in the closedorientation as well as preventing pilfering of the contents. Referringnow to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a package that embodiesfeatures of the present invention is generally designated 100. Sharedcomponents with the package 10 are designated with identical referencenumbers. The first and second frame components 114, 120 arenon-integrally molded or formed, separate components hingedly joinedtogether by a separate hinge 172 after the blank 26 is injected into theblank receiving portion 18. It is contemplated that the hinge 172 mayoptionally be secured to one or the other of the frame members 114, 120prior to assembly. The hub holder 148 has an “X”-arm shape foradhesively receiving the hub base member 50. A frame 124 has a racewayconfigured for reception of the blank 26 in one of a direction parallelto the folding axis 44 and normal to the folding axis 44. As in the casewith the package 10, in the preferred embodiment, the insertion isnormal to the axis 44. When the insertion is parallel to the axis 44,the raceway is rotated 90° and is located on the members 114 b, 114 dand 120 b, 120 d rather than 114 a, 114 c and 120 a and 120 c. In thisembodiment it is contemplate that the package will be assembled by: (1)engaging the blank in the first and the second frame components, and (2)slidably moving the first and second frame components into engagement,and (3) fastening the first and second frame components to each other.Insertion of the blank into the first and the second components canoccur from at least one of a direction parallel to and normal to thefoldable axis.

While a particular embodiment of the recording medium package ofsufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame has beenshown and described, it will be appreciated by those in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made thereto without departing from theinvention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A hub for a storage package for storing a recording medium having acircular inner edge defining a central hole, said hub comprising: aresilient, disc-engaging hub connected to at least one frame componentof the storage package for releasably securing the recording mediumthereon, said resilient, disc-engaging hub having an uninterrupteddeformable, generally domed portion and at least one gripping formationextending from said generally domed portion, said at least one grippingformation being positioned to extend through the hole in the recordingmedium and engage the inner edge of the recording medium as the mediumis placed onto said hub, said domed portion and said at least onegripping formation being directly joined at a location disposed abovethe recording medium when the recording medium is placed onto said hubsuch that said at least one gripping formation is disposed above therecording medium; a base member connecting said generally domed portionto said at least one frame component, said generally domed portionprojecting from said base member; said generally domed portion and saidat least one gripping formation being disposed and arranged such thatdeformation of said generally domed portion in a direction transverse tosaid base member directly causes said at least one gripping formation toretract radially inward to allow removal of the recording medium;wherein said gripping formation comprises a unitary, one-piece,uninterrupted annular formation extending completely around saidgenerally domed portion without contacting said base member.
 2. The hubin claim 1 wherein said at least one gripping formation in combinationwith said domed portion defines a radial length that is greater than adiameter of a central hole of at least one of a compact disc (CD) and adigital versatile disc (DVD) for retaining the recording medium as themedium is placed onto said hub.
 3. The hub in claim 1 wherein saidresilient, disc-engaging hub is wade of a material that is more flexiblethan a frame of the storage package.
 4. The hub of claim 1 wherein saidbase member has a generally annular shape.
 5. The hub of claim 1 whereinsaid generally domed portion is configured, and said at least onegripping formation is disposed relative to said generally domed portion,so that when pressure is exerted against said generally domed portion,said gripping formation is retracted radially inward, releasing saidgripping formation from the recording medium; wherein said generallydomed portion comprises a hemispherical upper portion that is disposedentirely above said base member and entirely above the recording mediumwhen said at least one gripping formation is disposed above therecording medium.
 6. The hub of claim 1 wherein said at least onegripping formation extends circumferentially about a periphery of saidgenerally domed portion.
 7. The hub of claim 6 wherein said at least onegripping formation flexes between an engaged position, in which saidgenerally domed portion and said gripping formation extend through thehole of the recording medium, and a deformed release position in whichsaid generally domed portion is deformed from user force to retract saidgripping formation out of engagement with the recording medium.
 8. Thehub of claim 7 wherein when the recording medium is placed onto said hubsuch that said at least one gripping formation is disposed above therecording medium, said generally domed portion and said grippingformation together enclose a continuous volume disposed above therecording medium.
 9. The hub of claim 1 wherein the hub is made of amember of the olefins.
 10. The hub of claim 1 wherein the hub is made ofa material taken from the group consisting of polypropylene,high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, a resin, SAN, andsilicone.
 11. The hub of claim 1 wherein said at least one grippingformation protrudes radially directly from a periphery of said generallydomed portion.
 12. The hub of claim 1 wherein the recording mediumcomprises at least one of a compact disc (CD) and a digital versatiledisc (DVD), and wherein said generally domed portion with said at leastone gripping formation define a circular outer periphery having a largerdiameter than a hole of said CD or DVD when said generally domed portionis undeformed.
 13. The hub of claim 2 further comprising an annularshoulder raised above said base member, wherein when said generallydomed portion and said gripping formation extends through the hole ofthe recording medium, said gripping formation biases the recordingmedium against said annular shoulder; wherein said generally domedportion and said gripping formation together define a continuous volumedisposed above said annular shoulder.
 14. The hub of claim 1 whereinsaid resilient, disc-engaging hub is integrally formed on said basemember.
 15. A resilient, disc-engaging hub for a storage package forreleasably storing a recording medium thereon, said hub comprising: abase member for connecting the hub to at least one frame component ofthe storage package; an annular shoulder raised above said base member;a deformable, generally domed portion disposed above said annularshoulder and positioned to extend through a hole in the recordingmedium; at least one gripping formation disposed above said annularshoulder and surrounding said generally domed portion, said at least onegripping formation comprising a series of individual, spaced protrusionsextending radially directly from said generally domed portion; whereinwhen said generally domed portion and said gripping formation extendsthrough the hole of the recording medium, said gripping formation biasesthe recording medium against said annular shoulder; wherein saidgenerally domed portion and said gripping formation together completelyenclose a single, continuous, internal volume disposed above saidannular shoulder; wherein said generally domed portion and said grippingformation together further completely enclose a single, continuous,internal volume disposed above the recording medium; wherein an upperend of said generally domed portion projects above an upper end of thegripping formation to form a deflection distance; wherein saiddisc-engaging hub is made of a flexible, resilient resin.
 16. The hub ofclaim 15 wherein said disc-engaging hub is made of a material that is atleast one of SAN and silicone.
 17. The hub of claim 15 wherein saiddisc-engaging hub is a single, integral piece.